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Yost Farm School

Yost Farm School

Attraction Information

Tours and experiences available by appointment. Contact Ardis Yost at 402-746-2856 for more information.

This schoolhouse, known as North Star of Webster County School District 81 and referred to as "Little Tin Schoolhouse" was located near Cowles, Nebraska. It was built in 1887 and closed in 1959. In 1989, it was moved to its current location on the Yost Farm. The inside walls feature the original wainscoting. The ante room features an overshoe bench, wash stand, water bucket and tin cups, as well as a coat rack along one wall.

Many school children experience the past by participating in hands on activities at the Yost Farm School. These activities include: churning butter, washing clothes, grinding coffee, peeling apples, roping, playing old fashioned games, and square dancing in the barn. They can also experience what learning was like at a country school. The school farm setting is also used for club meetings, family reunions, church groups, filming movies, and Willa Cather Foundation Spring Conference Activities.

I am continually amazed at the rich history of Red Cloud and all the wonderful things in that area. What a gem! I have been involved with economic development for nearly 20 years and to see the progress in Red Cloud warms my heart and solidifies my belief in the amazing things rural communities can do!

As a graduate student from Taiwan, the opportunity to attend the Willa Cather Spring Conference was a huge milestone for me in my academic life. Not only did I get a chance to visit and experience both Red Cloud and UNL in person, I was also thrilled to meet and learn from the generous community of Cather scholars. Wonderful events like these not only showcase and celebrate Cather's legacy, they instruct and inspire foreign students like myself.

I spent a week photographing Red Cloud as an artist in residence at the Willa Cather Foundation. Being able to discover this magic town in such a unique way was an unbelievable experience. I was able to literally follow in Willa Cather's footsteps as I photographed. This beautiful little town has cast quite a spell on me and as an artist I think it is an essential stop for other creative people.

There is so much excitement going on in our small town of Red Cloud right now! How fortunate we are to live among people whose interest is making our community grow. New businesses are flourishing and the things that are in the works are amazing! I am proud to call Red Cloud home! #redcloudproud